Abstract

Bamboos are commonly known as gaint grasses which has received considerable attention recently due to their utilization potential. Kerala part of Western Ghats is one of the major diversity centre for bamboos coming next to North East Indian region. The present paper deals with this group of plants in a new angle, based in field survey and taxonomic studies conducted but the author to unravel the extent of diversity of bamboos in the State. So far, 25 species of bamboos under 7 genera have been recorded among which 5 species have been recorded new to Kerala and 2 species have been newly described. The diversity, distribution, endemism, flowering cycle and conservation strategies have been discussed